Hard carbons are emerging as the most viable anodes for the commercialization of Na-ion batteries. However, their performance limits are far from being disclosed because of ambiguous Na-storage mechanism. Here, we report that nano-space confinement regulates heterogeneous nucleation of quasi-metallic Na clusters in closed pores, uncovering a coupled “intercalation-pore filling” and stage-wise storage mechanism for high capacities. Theoretical studies reveal that the energy barrier for Na-cluster growth decreases as the nanocavity size decreases; however, it remains energetically unfavorable at potentials (V vs. Na/Na⁺) > 0. Interestingly, in the coupled storage, Na-ion intercalation in nanoconfined orifices triggers stepwise pre-nucleation, reducing energy barriers for spontaneous Na-cluster growth in progressively larger cavities at positive potentials, thus enabling Na-cluster deposition into previously unused closed pores. This understanding guides the rational design of stage-wise closed pores, resulting in superior performance of 500 mAh g⁻¹ at 50 mA g⁻¹ and 344 mAh g⁻¹ at 2000 mA g⁻¹. Mechanistic studies further identify a new stage, where confined nano-spaces at 0.4–0.6 nm facilitate pre-desolvation and enhance Na-ion transport kinetics for high-rate capabilities. This work identifies the origin governing Na-storage behavior in the closed pores of hard carbons, boosting their overall performance beyond prior expectations.

A chromosome-level genome has opened a new window into how Hemsleya ellipsoidea, a medicinal cucurbit known as Xuedan, evolved its unusual ability to accumulate cucurbitacin IIa (CuIIa), a bioactive triterpenoid associated with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. 

A research team has identified TATA box-binding protein-associated factor 1 (TAF1) as a molecular switch that helps determine whether cancer cells resist or undergo ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by lipid peroxide buildup. 

Fresh aroma is one of the qualities that makes litchi immediately recognizable, yet the chemistry and genetics behind this sensory trait have remained unclear.

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences (CIAC) have developed a novel FeSNC catalyst with axial Fe-S₁N₄ coordination using a dual-precursor CVD strategy. This structural engineering optimizes the adsorption of oxygen intermediates and enhances proton transport, leading to a record-high power density of 1.2 W·cm^-2 in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Why can a chemical eye injury continue to worsen long after the initial burn, leading to corneal opacity, abnormal blood vessel growth, and even vision loss? The danger of corneal alkali burns lies not only in the rapid tissue penetration of alkaline agents, but also in their ability to disrupt the cellular cooperation required for corneal repair. A new study published in Eye Discovery by researchers from the Eye Institute of Shandong First Medical University and collaborating institutions uses single-cell RNA sequencing to map how corneal and limbal tissues respond to alkali injury, revealing a multicellular disease process centered on amplified VEGF signaling.